Section 12 of SMA : Section 12: Place And Form Of Solemnization

Explanation using Example

Imagine a couple, Rita and Arjun, who come from different cultural backgrounds and want to get married under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. They approach the local Marriage Officer to schedule their marriage ceremony. According to Section 12(1), they have the option to hold the ceremony at the Marriage Officer's office or at a nearby venue of their choice, perhaps a community hall close to where they live. They choose the community hall and agree to pay any additional fees required for the offsite ceremony.

On the day of their wedding, as per Section 12(2), Rita and Arjun decide to have a simple ceremony without any elaborate religious rituals, which is their right under the Act. During the ceremony, in the presence of the Marriage Officer and three friends who are acting as witnesses, they exchange vows in English, a language they both understand. Rita says, "I, Rita, take thee Arjun, to be my lawful husband," and Arjun reciprocates with, "I, Arjun, take thee Rita, to be my lawful wife." With these words, their marriage becomes legally binding under the Special Marriage Act.